Free Recklessly Yours by Allison Chase Page B

really—that there was more to the sudden appearance of the Sutherland sisters than they were willing to say?
    They reached the fence bordering the racetrack and stood side by side, watching the grooms on the other side make a last check of the bridles and girths. Her subtle perfume drifted to his nose, making him forget what they’d been discussing. She didn’t smell flowery as most women did, but spicy, almost peppery. Did he detect a hint of cinnamon ? He breathed the scent in, turning his head a little toward her, and was very nearly tempted to bury his nose in her hair.
    He shook his head to clear it and turned back toward the track. “Miss Sutherland, are you quite certain Simon knows you are all here?”
    She jerked her chin in his direction, her eyes sparking green fire. “That again?”
    â€œPlease humor me, Miss Sutherland. I’ve only you and your sisters’ best interests at heart.”
    Her lips thinned, then relaxed. “I suppose it was Simon who must have worked whatever magic got us our rooms.”
    â€œWith his wife in her condition?”
    â€œLord Drayton—” Her hand closed over the rail in front of her, and even through her glove he could see her fingers straining. “As Ivy herself said, she is quite well. A woman doesn’t suddenly become breakable simply because she is . . .” She darted a furtive gaze around her, then whispered, “And if you would only stop mentioning it, no one need be the wiser.”
    â€œForgive me.”
    She narrowed her eyes at him, then relented with a quirk of a smile. “There is no need. I thank you for your concern for my sister. And after all, you were kind enough to invite us here today. What kind of guest would I be to reprimand my host?” She unclenched a hand from around the railing to gesture to the horses, now being led to the starting line. “Which among them is favored to win?”
    â€œMy own.” He raised his arm to point, and as she leaned closer to follow the line of his outstretched finger, he was again pleasantly assaulted by a waft of her fragrance. “The tall one in the middle. His name is Cordelier. In fact, I should be taking my place right about now.”
    â€œWill you be racing him yourself?”
    â€œMost assuredly.”
    Her mouth dropped open; her eyes flared with excitement. “Isn’t it dangerous?”
    â€œNot very.” Her head tilted in disbelief, and apprehension flitted across her face. Was she worried for him? Or were her concerns directed toward the horses? “This track is too small to allow the sort of speed achieved at courses like the Ascot. It’s merely a demonstration track, designed to show off the potential of the Thoroughbreds for sale.”
    â€œHaving never seen a race before, Lord Drayton, I’m sure I’ll find it thrilling all the same.”
    â€œYou’ll watch, then? Not all the ladies do.”
    â€œI certainly will. I’m in the market for a horse, aren’t I?”
    â€œAnd should you see anything you like,” he murmured, leaning close enough to see the faint freckles sprinkling her cheeks and the bridge of her nose, “you’ll be sure to let me know. Won’t you?”
    Her eyes widened and he stared down into them, drawn by the tiny specks of gold like a pirate to secret treasure. Oh, wouldn’t he like to plunder lovely Miss Sutherland. To take her in his arms and claim first her sumptuous lips and then the rest of her glorious body hidden beneath the folds of her clothing. He imagined that, as proficient a rider as she was, she must have the sculpted thighs and hips of a goddess. . . .
    She was speaking to him, wishing him luck, bidding him to have a care. He straightened, managed a word of thanks, and strode off, giving himself another shake that did little to clear away the haze that had settled over his senses.
    Â 
    Holly stood gripping the rail, looking about